The fantasy game

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ROBIN VAN PERSIE’S goals record for Arsenal brings to mind the run-scoring sequence of a nervous batsman. Having managed only 11 goals in his first half-century of appearances for the club, he blasted five in the next four games, as though released from the pressure of an approaching milestone.

The Holland striker would not have considered 50 games to be a particularly noteworthy landmark, but he may be feeling at last that he is establishing himself after some turbulent times. Criticised over his attitude by Arsène Wenger, the manager, last February after a foolish sending-off away to Southampton, he then